In this age of information, young entrepreneurs are flooded with tips on how to be successful. Wondering how to evaluate the quality of the advice you receive? The best source remains from the horse’s mouth; that is, those who have gone before, and achieved the success that you wish to.

If your ambition is to achieve financial success, you will do no better than heeding the teachings of Asia’s Li Ka-Shings, the richest man on the continent.

Ka-Shings left school at age 12 to work as an apprentice in a watch-strap company, and by age 14 was working full-time in the plastics industry to help support his family. In 1950 he went into business for himself manufacturing toys and other plastic items. Today, he is the richest man in Asia, with nearly 300,000 employees around the globe.

While his accomplishments are staggering, in an editorial piece recently translated into English Ka-Shings offers a few pieces of foundational advice that can help entrepreneurs at any stage:

Buy lunch for those more important than you.

Ka-Shings recommends treating influential people, those who mentor you, and those who have helped you to a meal once a month.

The cost, he attests, will soon be returned in the benefit in status, reputation, and opportunity that a young entrepreneur receives in return.

Advertising

Is a regular meal out of your budget, or out of your networking reach at this moment in time? Try to set up coffees, or send handwritten notes to those you wish to further connect with.

Get a part time retail job, or work in retail during a peak season to get a taste of selling. Learn and observe both what works, and what doesn’t.

Having trouble finding a good experience?

Network marketing is a growing industry that relies on an individual’s ability to close the deal even more than traditional retail; find something you like and sell, baby, sell!

Advertising

Plan.

Life, says Ka-Shings, can be planned, from wealth to relationships to business.

He says that in particular, an entrepreneur should focus on and give to others in the early stages of their career, and focus on themselves once they’ve “made it.”

The proverbial pavement must be pounded until achievements are reached; then, one can relax.

Many, he notes, have this backward – they hunker at home or in offices rather than focusing on building relationships with people, hoping to have time for others “later,” not realizing that others are the key to their success now.

Live in a disciplined manner, appreciating each cycle.

There is no shame, muses Ka-Shings, in being young – entrepreneurs are young and poor and working at some point in their lives, and that is as it should be.

Embrace it.

Advertising

Likewise, once success is obtained, embrace the stature you have earned and enjoy the opportunity to bask in it.

Bask quietly, however, so as not to be inappropriate.

In a more modern sense, Ka-Shings is speaking to the need to be fully engaged in and enjoy the present moment, and to realize the value of balance.

He is a strong advocate of travel as a way both to increase professional knowledge and experience and gain much-needed rest from work, the requirement for the retainment of passion.

As with everything else, travel on a dime when you are starting out, and on a more lavish budget as your stature improves.

How to Brand Yourself and Make Your Business Stand Out

The tactics you’d implemented for your customers aren’t working as they’ve used to. You feel like your business has fallen out of the spotlight and now you’d have to settle for any business you get. It’s how businesses work, right?

The truth is that some brands will fade off the business world–while others will adapt well and continue to grow. You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself for where your business currently stands. After all, you’d kept applying tactics that provided predictable results.

Instead, decide to not settle for average results and spend more time building your brand. To make your business stand out from your competition, you need to be unforgettable. But how can you?

In this article, I’ll cover timeless tactics that have worked for other businesses. If you apply these tactics correctly your competition won’t be able to copy them. Here’s how to brand yourself and make your business stand out:

1. Win Your Audience’s Hearts with Authenticity

The truth has always shined.

Even without the technology we have today, people always had a way of finding out if someone was lying. And, with everyone engaging in social media today, it’s hard to hide from the truth. Yet, this seems to be what many businesses fail to do.

For example, companies like Listerine have been fined for lying.[1] A quick buck today won’t be worth it in the long run. Instead, practice being authentic to your customers and they’ll eventually rely on you.

Allow your customers to buy your products with a money-back guarantee – then deliver on your promise. Be consistent with the content you provide and stay true to your brand.

But if you gain your customer’s trust, you’ll start standing out from your competition. Your customers will feel safe purchasing from you since they’ll know you’re honest.

2. Share a Story No One Will Be Able to Copy

A few decades ago, a brand would’ve gotten away without being unique. That’s because back then starting a business was not accessible to most people. You’d either need enough money to launch your business or have the credentials. And even if you had all these qualifications, you needed to get past the gatekeepers.

Today, technology has disrupted many of the barriers that were present a few decades ago. For example, today a college student can launch a Podcast within a week. He can create a website in a few hours and record a few Podcast episodes. If he’s persistent, he can build a large following overtime and get paid by sponsors.

This is great news for aspiring entrepreneurs but there’s more competition than ever. You can only do so much before other businesses begin to copy you. But what no business can copy is your story.

For example, if you have a money blog, share how you’ve overcome your financial struggles. If you run a freelance writing business, share how you’ve overcome writer’s block. The more your audience can relate to you the better.

Without a story, your business won’t stand out. And if you copy what’s working for other businesses, you’ll experience short-term success.

Take some time to share your story with the world, your audience will love you more for it.

Advertising

3. Stop Reinventing Every Single Thing

“Don’t reinvent the wheel, just realign it.” – Anthony J.D’angelo

You may have heard that being original is the way to stand out. While this is true to an extent, you also shouldn’t be original when something is already working.

For example, if your competition has a successful Podcast in your field, then so can you. Don’t search for better alternatives to a Podcast if it’s already working.

Why?

Because this is a waste of time. Instead, copy what’s already working and make it your own.[2] If your competition has a Podcast, figure out which areas you can improve and tailor it around your brand.

Knowing this you can now spy on your competition and determine which areas you can improve. But, know that it also works the other way around. Others will view your business and copy what’s working for you.

That’s why it’s important to stay true to your brand and be authentic with your audience. When you do, your competition won’t be able to copy your unique traits. Have an abundant mindset and feel confident for what your business has to offer.

4. Shine Because of Your Uniqueness

Stop trying to help the entire world and focus on helping a specific group of people instead.

I get it, you’re willing to help almost everyone because you want to bring in more business. But the truth is that if you resonate with everyone, you resonate with no one.

Advertising

Take, for example, a marketing agency that helps businesses promote their product. This business doesn’t speak to anyone but gets occasional sales throughout the year.

But what if there was a similar marketing agency dedicated to helping real estate agents? If there was a real estate agent looking for help in marketing–who do you think they’ll choose? That’s why niching down is necessary if you hope to stand out from your competition.

Determine which customers you enjoy working with the most and determine which customers bring in the most revenue. Once you’ve gathered enough data, focus on servicing your ideal customer.

Don’t expect immediate results since this won’t be an easy transition. If you’re currently helping a narrow audience, slowly transition into a niche audience. Niching down is crucial to building raving fans.

5. Be the Brand Everyone Can Depend On

Being the brand your customers can depend on is important. How many times have you bought a product that’s failed on its promise? Or have settled for an average service?

Exceeding your customer’s expectations is a sure way to make your brand stand out. In the book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, studies on human psychology prove that when you give to others, they’ll reciprocate. Offer your customers free consulting, a free ebook, or free quality content. Eventually, they’ll be happy to reciprocate after receiving value from you.

View what your competition is doing and surpass their offers. For example, if your competition offers a free 15-minute consulting call, offer 30 minutes. When you focus on helping others more, your customers will notice.

Make it your mission to serve your customers first and then worry about making a profit. Other ways for your business to be reliable is by inspiring your customers. That’s right, a business isn’t only about selling, it’s also helping customers achieve their goals.

For example, you can write content that will inspire your audience to take action. You can interview guests that will push your audience to break bad habits. Get creative and look for more ways in which your audience can depend on you with.

Advertising

The Bottom Line

Imagine serving fewer customers and getting paid more than ever.

Despite the fierce competition, you’ve got fans wanting to buy your products and services. Although this may seem impossible right now, it’s not. If other brands have been able to stand out in a crowded industries, why can’t yours?

The truth is that standing out from your competition isn’t easy. There’s no secret formula that’s available to the rest of the world. The trick is to do what most brands are unwilling to do.

Many businesses don’t want to niche down because this will mean a loss in sales. But that’s sacrificing short-term gains for long-term success. Niching down is necessary to build a brand your customers will love.

Many businesses will spend a lot of money looking for ways to innovate, but won’t apply what’s working. But, not you.

You’ve got what it takes to stand out from your competition. Start slowly and master each principle covered here. Now go and make your business stand out like never before.